Charleville folk reveal why they live here

THE Charleville way of life has been documented in the newly released Why I Live Where I Live, a locally produced book which tells the story of residents' unique connections to this part of the world.

An initiative of the South West Hospital and Health Service's Healthy Ageing program, the latest edition of Why I Live Where I Live was collated by retired Charleville social worker Irene Frances and Healthy Ageing co-ordinator Deb Alick.

Ms Alick said the publication's stories came from 12 Healthy Ageing clients who had shared the highs and lows of their life adventures and the diverse reasons that anchor them to Charleville.

"There are so many amazing stories which need to be celebrated and acknowledged,” Ms Alick said.

"Our clients have heavily contributed to the fabric of our community and, when you sit down and chat with them, you always find out something truly interesting about their lives.

"Often our quiet achievers have the greatest tales to tell and the book is also an opportunity to recognise the contributions they have made to society.”

The stories inside the meticulously compiled book include the story of a person who competed in the famous City2Surf fun run twice in their 60s, a poet who has published three books, and anecdotes from a well-travelled former royal electrical and mechanical engineer.

Captured within the book's pages are the clients' reasons for living in Charleville.

"Charleville means a lot to our clients,” Ms Alick said.

"It's their home and this is just another contribution they have made to promote how great it is to live (here),” she said.